When my daughter, Lily, reached 9 months, we decided to expand her diet to include solid foods. Following our pediatrician’s guidance, we cautiously introduced a variety of items deemed safe and unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Initially, we offered her familiar options like peas, peaches, carrots, and potatoes. Although she wasn’t overly enthusiastic about solids, we were relieved that she had no apparent negative responses.
One evening, during dinner, we were enjoying burgers, and I thought it would be harmless to let her try a few small pieces of a burger bun. However, it wasn’t long before we noticed Lily coughing. My son, Max, who was about 2 at the time, had never reacted adversely to food, so I initially dismissed her symptoms.
As her coughing escalated, we became alarmed when she began struggling to breathe. Though she couldn’t articulate her discomfort, the desperation in her eyes was unmistakable. That feeling of helplessness is forever etched in my memory. My partner, Sarah, quickly recognized that Lily was experiencing a serious allergic reaction and urged me to call for emergency help.
Paramedics arrived promptly, transporting Lily to the hospital while I held Max, who was frightened and confused. At the hospital, doctors administered steroids and a potent antihistamine. After hours of observation and care, Lily was eventually discharged later that night.
In the aftermath, I was left in shock, unsure of what had triggered this severe reaction. A nurse advised us to consult an allergist as soon as possible. We suspected the burger bun, particularly since it contained sesame seeds, but we weren’t entirely certain.
Visiting the allergist revealed our worst fears: Lily had allergies to wheat, dairy, oats, barley, rye, and even cows. Additionally, she had a mild nut allergy. We learned that the wheat in the burger bun was likely responsible for her anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening reaction characterized by symptoms like throat swelling, nausea, and loss of consciousness.
This was terrifying news. I had no idea how many products in our home contained wheat: from pancake mix and cookies to salad dressings and even some body lotions. I realized that our everyday diet posed a serious risk to Lily. As we adjusted to this new reality, we took extreme precautions, especially since Lily was still young and mostly immobile.
While experimenting with gluten-free alternatives, we continued to consume wheat products but remained vigilant about keeping crumbs under control. After every meal, we would clean up meticulously, sometimes changing clothes and vacuuming the kitchen before allowing Lily to leave her high chair. Looking back, it seems excessive, but at the time, it felt necessary.
Our challenges escalated one night while preparing dinner. We had wheat pasta for us and rice for her. Suddenly, Lily appeared unwell, and we feared she had come into contact with the wheat pasta. We gave her Benadryl as a precaution, marking the end of any wheat products in our home.
Now, our household is strictly wheat- and dairy-free. The risk simply isn’t worth it. We realized that maintaining separate utensils and pots was unwieldy, and after much deliberation, we made the family decision to eliminate wheat entirely from our meals. Since then, our lives have become significantly easier, and we’ve experienced no incidents.
This dietary change has fostered a sense of peace within our home. Although dinner remains chaotic, I no longer worry about Lily facing a life-threatening situation due to something we might be eating. It also signifies our solidarity; her allergies are our collective challenge.
Before this experience, I had no idea how profoundly food allergies could affect daily life, from dining out to visiting friends and family. It’s uncomfortable to explain how someone’s home could pose a risk if not properly cleaned. I know Lily well; if she discovers a snack in unexpected places, she will eat it. The prospect of needing to use an EpiPen is terrifying, so we remain cautious.
I understand that not everyone recognizes the severity of food allergies. A small percentage of children experience such extreme reactions, and it’s not common knowledge. I often see toddlers at playgrounds with snacks that could be dangerous to Lily. If more people were aware of the risks, they might think twice about what they allow around children with allergies. Ultimately, it’s up to parents of children with allergies to educate others about these dangers.
I take responsibility for raising awareness, and my first step was to share our story. It can be daunting, emotional, and overwhelming, but it’s manageable as long as we stay proactive.
For those navigating similar circumstances, I encourage you to explore resources like March of Dimes, which offers excellent guidance on fertility and parenting. Additionally, the At-Home Insemination Kit can be a valuable resource for families like ours. If you’re interested in further reading, check out our other blog post on the subject here.
In summary, our journey to create a safe home for Lily has transformed our lives by eliminating wheat and dairy, fostering a sense of unity and awareness within our family.